Gujrat, Jan 24 : Election management bodies from several countries have agreed on the need to strengthen electoral integrity by developing accurate voter lists and ensuring photo identity cards for every eligible elector, India’s Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar said at the conclusion of an international conference on democracy and election management on Friday.
Addressing delegates at the closing session, Kumar said discussions among heads and senior members of poll authorities consistently highlighted the importance of maintaining “pure” electoral rolls. He described accurate and legally compliant voter lists as the cornerstone of a functioning democracy.
The Chief Election Commissioner also emphasised the role of voter photo identity cards in improving transparency and ease of participation in elections, calling for universal coverage across electorates.
Collaboration and technology sharing
Kumar underlined the importance of engaging all stakeholders at every level of the electoral process. He said election authorities must work closely with political parties, civil society and voters to ensure trust in democratic institutions.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) offered to partner with international poll bodies to help them build technology platforms similar to India’s ECINET system. It also proposed training support for election officials through the India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM).
These offers were extended during bilateral meetings held on the sidelines of the conference, with a focus on sharing best practices and technical expertise.
Voter list revision under focus
The conference discussions come amid the ECI’s ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls across multiple States and Union Territories. The exercise aims to update voter databases and remove ineligible entries.
While opposition parties have criticised the revision process, alleging political motives, both the government and the Election Commission have rejected the claims, maintaining that the exercise is intended to strengthen the integrity of the electoral system.
The second phase of the SIR began last November in several regions, including Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, while Assam is conducting a separate revision process.
Officials said the revision process also involves verification of place of birth, a step that has gained attention amid broader action against illegal migration in several parts of the country.